Orthodox Conference
"Athens and Jerusalem: Orthodox Art, Philosophy, and Life"
November 21st-22nd, 2025
St. Nicholas Orthodox Church
Palm Coast, Florida
What Does Athens to do with Jerusalem?
This famous quote from Tertullian raises an important question about what exactly the relation between philosophy (Athens) and faith (Jerusalem) is for the Orthodox Christian. Obviously, Christianity did not begin in the arms of philosophy. Contrasted to what later developed in the West, the first half-millennium of Christianity in fact marginalized pagan Greek philosophical faith in reason. Orthodoxy turned to Jerusalem, not to Athens. Nevertheless, the Church did use philosophy. It even took terms and distinctions from pagan Greek philosophers. Therefore, what exactly is the Orthodox understanding on this issue? How should Orthodoxy view philosophy and human reason? How should Orthodox understand faith? What is the distinction between natural revelation and supernatural revelation? Does Orthodoxy have a natural theology? The Church provides an answer to all these questions. She presents a very different conception of knowledge and faith from that of the West, one that places an emphasis on the experiential and incarnational reality of both. Orthodoxy does not attempt to ground its theology on human reason and philosophy but rather on the transformative encounter with the living God through the revelation of the Holy Trinity and the life and person of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we invite you to join us for this amazing conference. Learn the true relationship between faith and philosophy. Discover the ultimate source of truth. Experience the True Faith, the Faith of the Fathers, the Faith that established the universe!
What to expect:
- Theme: Orthodox Art, Philosophy, and Life
- Speakers: Metp. Jonah, Fr. Vladimir Kaydanov, Fr. Deacon Ananias, David Patrick Harry, and Jay Dyer
Speakers
Metropolitan Jonah
Metropolitan Jonah Paffhausen was elected Metropolitan (Primate) of the Orthodox Church in America in 2008. He was President of both St Vladimir’s and St Tikhon’s Theological Seminaries. In 2012, Metropolitan Jonah stepped down from that position. He was then transferred to the Russian Church Abroad in 2015. Metropolitan Jonah is currently the abbot of St. Demetrius Orthodox Monastery and rector of St. Herman Orthodox Church in Stafford, VA. His educational background includes a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, a M.Div. from St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, as well as a M.Th., in Dogmatics from St. Vladimir’s, and an Honorary D.D., Nashotah House Theological Seminary.
Father Vladimir Kaydanov
Rev. Fr. Vladimir Kaydanov is a Rector of the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Palm Coast and a professor of art history, Florence Classical Arts Academy in Italy. Born in St Petersburg, Russia, his journey through art began with studies at Hermitage State museum and, after decades of visual arts studies, led to theological graduate work focusing on Church art history, iconography and architecture. His original research is concentrated around geometric compositional analysis of the visual language traditionally employed by the old masters. Focus of the current presentation is St Andrei Rublev’s masterpiece icon of the Holy Trinity. In this premiering lecture, “Cosmos of The Trinity”, we are all invited to reverently approach, gazing at the immeasurable heights of the Orthodox Icon.
Father Deacon Ananias
Fr. Deacon Ananias Sorem, PhD is CEO, Founder, and President of Patristic Faith, as well as the Founder and Organizer of Orthodox MontaNika. Father is an Orthodox apologist and teaches Philosophy at Carroll College. He serves with Fr. Russell Rodoicich at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Butte, MT. Fr. Deacon has a BA in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College, together with an MA (Honors) and PhD in Philosophy (Epistemology; Philosophy of Science; Philosophy of Mind) from University College Dublin. His current academic work focuses on philosophical theology, epistemology, and the philosophy of science. Father is the author of several articles and peer-reviewed papers. He is also known for his YouTube channel, the Norwegian Nous (now Patristic Faith), where he provides content on theology, apologetics, logic, and philosophy.
Dr. David Patrick Harry
David Patrick Harry, PhD, is a scholar of religion and philosophy whose research and public work explore the intersection of metaphysics, theology, and cultural critique. Holding a doctorate in Religious Studies, he specializes in the theological analysis of modern ideological and technological movements-particularly transhumanism and post-secular thought-through the interpretive lens of classical Christian philosophy and Eastern Orthodox theology. His work stands at the crossroads of intellectual history, patristic thought, and contemporary sociocultural analysis. His writings and lectures bridge the academy and the public square. He is the founder and director of Logos Academy, a digital institute for philosophical and theological formation. Logos Academy is dedicated to cultivating intellectual rigor, spiritual discernment, and cultural literacy in an age of moral confusion and metaphysical collapse.
Jay Dyer
Jay Dyer is an author, comedian and TV presenter known for his deep analysis of Hollywood, geopolitics, and culture. His graduate work focused on psychological warfare and film and he is the author of two books, Esoteric Hollywood 1 & 2 and the co-creator and co-host of the television show Hollywood Decoded. A popular YouTuber, Jay has been featured on numerous radio, TV broadcasts & podcasts, including debates with some of the world’s top debaters.
Price and Registration
- General Admission is $55 for two days
- Refunds up to 7 days before event
Conference Ticket
-
Includes 1 General Admission
Questions?
Send us a note.
Subscribe & Connect
Subscribe to the Patristic Faith newsletter for updates on the conference and other exciting events.
